U.S. patent application number 15/534136 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-21 for a smoking article, a smoking article filter section and a method of manufacturing a smoking article.
The applicant listed for this patent is British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited. Invention is credited to Mark AUSTIN, Mark BAILEY, Lisa HARVEY, Karl KALJURA, Sydney TAVERN, Tina WHITTON.
Application Number | 20190082731 15/534136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52425623 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190082731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KALJURA; Karl ; et
al. |
March 21, 2019 |
A smoking article, a smoking article filter section and a method of
manufacturing a smoking article
Abstract
A smoking article and a method of manufacturing a smoking
article A smoking article has a filter section for receiving smoke
and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable
level of ventilation into the filter section and a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.
Inventors: |
KALJURA; Karl; (London,
GB) ; WHITTON; Tina; (London, GB) ; BAILEY;
Mark; (London, GB) ; TAVERN; Sydney; (London,
GB) ; HARVEY; Lisa; (London, GB) ; AUSTIN;
Mark; (London, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
52425623 |
Appl. No.: |
15/534136 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 7, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2015/053745 |
371 Date: |
June 8, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24D 3/061 20130101;
A24D 3/048 20130101; A24D 3/043 20130101; A24D 1/027 20130101; A24D
3/063 20130101; A24D 3/041 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A24D 3/04 20060101
A24D003/04; A24D 1/02 20060101 A24D001/02; A24D 3/06 20060101
A24D003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 8, 2014 |
GB |
1421799.6 |
Claims
1. A smoking article comprising: a filter section for receiving
smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the
filter section comprising filtration material; a variable
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable
level of ventilation into the filter section; and a flavour source
disposed in the filtration material of the filter section and
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.
2. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour
source is configured to selectively release flavour to said smoke
and/or other aerosol.
3. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour
source comprises one or more capsules.
4. A smoking article according to claim 3, wherein said one or more
capsules each have a diameter of from 2 mm to 6 mm.
5. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said flavour
source comprises at least one selected from plant material, a
thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant dispersed in filter tow,
flavour impregnated particles and a sheet material comprising a
flavourant.
6. A smoking article according to claim 1, further comprising a
further ventilation arrangement configured to provide a level of
ventilation into the filter section which is not user
controllable.
7. A smoking article according to claim 6, wherein the level of
ventilation provided by said further variable ventilation
arrangement is within the range of from 5% to 50% of the volume of
smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article
passing through the filter section when said variable ventilation
is at its minimum level.
8. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said variable
ventilation arrangement provides ventilation which is user
controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to 90%
of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article passing through the filter section.
9. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein said filter
section forms at least a component of a first part of the smoking
article and further comprising a second part movable relative to
the first part in order to control the level of ventilation
provided by the variable ventilation arrangement.
10. A smoking article according to claim 9, wherein said first or
second part comprises a sleeve configured to move relative to the
other of the first or second part to control the level of
ventilation provided by the variable ventilation arrangement.
11. A smoking article according to claim 10, wherein the sleeve is
rotatable with respect to the filter section, and the level of
ventilation is varied by altering an angular position of the sleeve
relative to the filter section.
12. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter
section comprises a first filter section having a length of 5 to 25
mm, the smoking article further comprising a second filter section
having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and the variable ventilation
arrangement provides ventilating air at a position between 6 and 20
mm from a mouth end of the smoking article.
13. A smoking article according to claim 1, wherein the filter
section comprises a first filter section and the smoking article
further comprises a second filter section, the first and second
filter sections forming a filter arrangement, and the second filter
section being located downstream of the first filter section; and
wherein a resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the
second filter section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow
through the length of the first filter section; and the resistance
to gaseous flow through the length of the filter arrangement
remains substantially constant as the level of ventilation is
varied.
14. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the first and
second filter sections comprise tow filaments, and the first filter
section differs from the second filter section by one or more of:
tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume, cross-section
of tow filaments and degree of crimping.
15. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the second
filter section comprises at least one air passage extending
longitudinally through the length thereof.
16. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the second
filter section comprises fibrous filtration material formed having
an annular cross section.
17. A smoking article according to claim 13, wherein the second
filter section comprises a tube of fibrous filtration material and
the air passage extends along a central longitudinal axis through
the length of the second filter section.
18. A filter section for a smoking article for receiving smoke
and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter
section comprising: filtration material; a variable ventilation
arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of
ventilation into the filter section; and a flavour source disposed
in the filtration material and configured to release flavour to
said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article
at a location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said
ventilation arrangement.
19. A method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method
comprising: forming a filter section for receiving smoke and/or
other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter section
comprising filtration material; providing a variable ventilation
arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of
ventilation into the filter section; and providing a flavour source
in the filtration material of the filter section configured to
release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol generated by
said smoking article at a location in said smoke and/or other
aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a smoking article, a
filter section for a smoking article and a method of manufacturing
a smoking article.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cigarettes can include a filter section for filtering
mainstream smoke. It is known to provide cigarettes with a flavour
source, such as a flavour capsule, within the filter section, to
add additional flavour to the smoke generated by the cigarette.
SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of the invention provide, in a first aspect, a
smoking article comprising a filter section for receiving smoke
and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article, a variable
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a user controllable
level of ventilation into the filter section and a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.
[0004] The flavour source can be configured to selectively release
flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol. The flavour source can
comprise one or more capsules. The one or more capsules can each
have a diameter of from 2 mm to 6 mm.
[0005] The flavour source can comprise at least one selected from
plant material, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant
dispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnated particles and a sheet
material comprising a flavourant. The flavour source can be located
within said filter section.
[0006] The smoking article can further comprise a further
ventilation arrangement configured to provide a level of
ventilation into the filter section which is not user
controllable.
[0007] The level of ventilation provided by the further variable
ventilation arrangement can be within the range of from 5% to 50%
of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article passing through the filter section when said
variable ventilation is at its minimum level.
[0008] The variable ventilation arrangement can provide ventilation
which is user controllable within a sub-range within the range of
from 0% to 90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article passing through the filter
section.
[0009] The filter section can form at least a component of a first
part of the smoking article and the smoking article can further
comprise a second part movable relative to the first part in order
to control the level of ventilation provided by the variable
ventilation arrangement. The first or second part can comprise a
sleeve configured to move relative to the other of the first or
second part to control the level of ventilation provided by the
variable ventilation arrangement. The sleeve can be rotatable with
respect to the filter section, and the level of ventilation is
varied by altering an angular position of the sleeve relative to
the filter section.
[0010] The filter section can comprise a first filter section
having a length of 5 to 25 mm, and/or the smoking article can
further comprise a second filter section having a length of 5 to 25
mm, and/or the variable ventilation arrangement can provide
ventilating air at a position between 6 and 20 mm from a mouth end
of the smoking article.
[0011] The filter section can comprise a first filter section and
the smoking article can further comprise a second filter section,
the second filter section being located downstream of the first
filter section, and wherein a resistance to gaseous flow through
the length of the second filter section is lower than a resistance
to gaseous flow through the length of the first filter section and
the resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the filter
arrangement remains substantially constant as the level of
ventilation is varied.
[0012] The first and second filter sections can comprise tow
filaments, and the first filter section can differ from the second
filter section by one or more of: tow weight, number of tow
filaments in unit volume, cross-section of tow filaments and degree
of crimping.
[0013] The second filter section can comprise at least one air
passage extending longitudinally through the length thereof. The
second filter section can comprise fibrous filtration material
formed having an annular cross section.
[0014] The second filter section can comprise a tube of fibrous
filtration material and the air passage extends along a central
longitudinal axis through the length of the second filter
section.
[0015] The smoking article can comprise a cigarette.
[0016] Embodiments of the invention provide, in a second aspect, a
filter section for a smoking article for receiving smoke and/or
other aerosol generated by said smoking article, the filter section
comprising a variable ventilation arrangement configured to provide
a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter section,
and a flavour source configured to release flavour to said smoke
and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking article at a
location in said smoke and/or other aerosol upstream of said
ventilation arrangement.
[0017] Embodiments of the invention provide, in a third aspect, a
method of manufacturing a smoking article, the method comprising
forming a filter section for receiving smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article, providing a variable ventilation
arrangement configured to provide a user controllable level of
ventilation into the filter section and providing a flavour source
configured to release flavour to said smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by said smoking article at a location in said smoke
and/or other aerosol upstream of said ventilation arrangement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a part of a
smoking article according to a first embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the smoking article
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank for forming a wrapper for
a smoking article according to a second embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 3b is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
smoking article according to the second embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article
according to the second embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article according
to a third embodiment; and
[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram showing a method of
manufacturing a smoking article.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] As used herein, the term "smoking article" includes smokable
products such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos whether based on
tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted
tobacco or tobacco substitutes and also heat-not-burn products and
other nicotine delivery devices capable of generating an aerosol
for delivery to a consumer. Such smoking articles may be provided
with a filter for the gaseous flow drawn by the smoker.
[0027] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and their formats are
often named according to the cigarette length: "regular" (typically
in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm),
"short" or "mini" (68 mm or less), "king-size" (typically in the
range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), "long" or
"super-king" (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94
mm to about 101 mm) and "ultra-long" (typically in the range from
about 110 mm to about 121 mm).
[0028] They are also named according to the cigarette
circumference: "regular" (about 23-25 mm), "wide" (greater than 25
mm), "slim" (about 22-23 mm), "demi-slim" (about 19-22 mm),
"super-slim" (about 16-19 mm), and "micro-slim" (less than about 16
mm). Accordingly, a cigarette in a king-size, super-slim format
will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference
of about 17 mm. Cigarettes in the regular, king-size format are
preferred by many customers, namely with a circumference of from 23
to 25 mm and an overall length of from 75 to 91 mm.
[0029] Each format may be produced with filters of different
lengths, smaller filters being generally used in formats of smaller
lengths and circumferences. Typically the filter length will be
from 15 mm, associated with short, regular formats, to 30 mm,
associated with ultra-long super-slim formats. The tipping paper
will have a greater length than the filter, for example from 3 to
10 mm longer.
[0030] Smoking articles and filters described hereinafter can be
manufactured in any of the above formats. The smoking article can,
for instance, be from 70 to 100 mm in length and from 14 to 25 mm
in circumference.
[0031] The terms `upstream` and `downstream` used herein are
relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream
smoke (or other aerosol) drawn though a smoking article in use.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a smoking article 10 according to a first
embodiment. The smoking article 10 is a cigarette in the present
example. However, other smoking articles can be used.
[0033] The smoking article 10 comprises a source of smokable
material, such as tobacco, attached to a filter arrangement which
comprises a first filter section 12 and a second filter section 14.
The source of smokable material is in the form of a tobacco rod 11,
which is attached to the first filter section 12. The second filter
section 14 is located downstream of the first filter section 12 and
tobacco rod 11. A ventilation arrangement 17 provides a user
controllable variable level of ventilation into the first filter
section 12, as described in more detail below.
[0034] The first filter section 12 comprises a flavour source
configured to release flavour to the smoke and/or other aerosol
generated by the smoking article 10 at a location upstream of the
ventilation arrangement 17. In the present example, the flavour
source comprises plant flavour particles, although other flavour
sources as described herein can be used. Plant-based flavourants
and plant flavour particles are referred to respectively as
botanicals and botanical particles, and will be described in more
detail below.
[0035] The smoking article 10 comprises a first part comprising the
tobacco rod 11 and the first filter section 12. The tobacco rod 11
and first filter section 12 are connected with a covering layer to
affix the first filter section to the tobacco rod, which is formed
of tipping paper. The tobacco rod 11 and first filter section 12
are referred to as a tobacco unit. The elongate tobacco rod 11 and
first filter section 12 define a longitudinal axis of the smoking
article.
[0036] A second part of the smoking article comprises the second
filter section 14 and a sleeve 13 which is movable relative to the
first part of the smoking article. The sleeve 13 is in the form of
a tube extending around the circumference of the tobacco rod 11
and/or first filter section 12. The tube can be cylindrical. The
sleeve 13 is formed of paper in the present example, although other
materials can be used. The first and second filter sections 12,14
each comprise filtration material which is wrapped in a sheet
material, which may be paper, e.g. plugwrap. The first and second
filter sections 12, 14 form a filter arrangement. The first filter
section 12 is upstream of the second filter section 14.
[0037] The second filter section 14 is at a mouth end of the sleeve
13, adjacent to, and separate from, the first filter section
12.
[0038] The tobacco rod 11 and attached first filter section 12 are
connected by tipping paper (not shown). The tipping paper is a
standard tipping paper, or a relatively thick recessed tipping
paper, or a board type tipping paper.
[0039] The ventilation arrangement 17 is configured to allow
adjustment of a ventilation level of the smoking article 10. The
ventilation arrangement 17 comprises one or more first ventilation
areas 15 on the sleeve 13. In the present example, the first
ventilation areas 15 are at a location closer to the downstream end
of the first filter section 12 than to the upstream end. The
smoking article further comprises one or more second ventilation
areas 16 around the first filter section 12. For example, the one
or more second ventilation areas 16 are defined by a layer(s) of
sheet material around the first filter section 12 or around the
filtration material of the first filter section 12. The ventilation
arrangement 17 provides for ventilating air to enter into the first
filter section.
[0040] Ventilation areas 15,16 are formed as ventilation apertures
or air permeable material. In some embodiments, when ventilation
areas 15 on the sleeve 13 are exposed, air can flow into the body
of the smoking article 10. When first ventilation areas 15 on the
sleeve 13 and the corresponding second ventilation areas 16 around
the second filter section 12 are aligned, air can flow into the
body of the smoking article 10. Ventilation areas 15,16 are aligned
by rotation of the first part of the smoking article relative to
the second part. In particular, the ventilation is controlled by
rotation of the sleeve 13 relative to the first filter section 12.
The ventilation arrangement 17 provides a selectable variable level
of ventilation controlled by adjusting the overlap of the first
ventilation area 15 with the second ventilation area 16. The amount
of ventilation depends on the effective ventilating area, which is
determined by the area of the overlap of the first and second
ventilation areas. The level of ventilation can be selected by
selecting a position of the second part relative to the first part
e.g. by rotation of the second part relative to the first part.
Thus, the ventilation arrangement 17 provides for a variable size
of effective ventilation area, providing a variable intake of
air.
[0041] The first filter section 12 and second filter section 14 are
made of a known filtration material. The filtration material for
both filter sections can be tow, for example, cellulose acetate
tow. The filtration material of the first filter section is
homogenous, and independently, the filtration material of the
second filter section is homogenous. The term "homogenous" is used
to mean that the filtration material is substantially uniform
throughout each filter section, and in particular, is uniform in a
longitudinal and/or radial direction through each of the first and
second filter sections 12,14. At least one physical property of the
homogenous first filter section may be different to the homogenous
second filter section.
[0042] The first and second filter sections both comprise fibrous
material, comprising tow filaments. The tow weight is a measure of
the amount of tow fibres in a certain volume. The tow weight can
provide an indication of the density of a fibrous material within
the filter section. The first and second filter sections are
manufactured using filtration material formed or treated to have
required properties, for example, providing a different pressure
drop per unit length for the first and second filter sections.
[0043] The first filter section 12 comprises botanical particles
(not shown) embedded in the fibrous material. The first filter
section 12 is similar to a "Dalmatian" type filter, comprising
fibrous filtration material through which botanical particles have
been sprinkled before the fibrous material is folded and wrapped in
a wrapping material. The botanical particles are comprised of dried
and chopped plant materials, and may be formed from botanicals such
as menthol, juniper, coffee, anise or any other botanical having
suitable taste and aroma characteristics. Any part of a chosen
plant, for example the roots, leave, flowers, stems, or buds, can
be used in the formation of botanical particles.
[0044] The plurality of botanical particles in the first filter
section 12 impart a taste and/or aroma to the smoke which passes
through the first filter section 12. As the level of ventilation is
varied the level of dilution of the flavoured smoke is changed. The
amount of flavoured smoke which reaches the mouth end of the
smoking article can therefore be controlled, resulting in an
overall smoking article 10 in which both smoke intensity and
secondary flavour intensity can be simultaneously controlled.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tobacco rod 11 and first
filter section 12 are dimensioned to rotate as a unit around a
longitudinal axis with the second filter section 14 positioned
within the sleeve 13. A restraining means (not shown) retains the
first part and second part in a fixed longitudinal arrangement, and
prevents extension of the smoking article 10. Thus, the first part
cannot slide longitudinally relative to the second part, i.e. the
sleeve is not movable longitudinally relative to the second filter
section 14.
[0046] The level of ventilation can be selected by selecting an
angular position of the sleeve 13 relative to the second filter
section 14.
[0047] In some examples, the first ventilation areas 15 are
configured to increase in size non-linearly with respect to angular
position. The first and second ventilation areas 15, 16 are
configured such that the level of ventilation has a substantially
linear dependence on the angular position of the sleeve 13 relative
to the second filter section 14.
[0048] In some aspects, the one or more first and second
ventilation areas 15, 16 maintain a fixed longitudinal position
relative to the first and second filter sections, when the sleeve
13 is rotated relative to the second filter section 14.
[0049] In the present embodiment, the second filter section 14 is
securely attached and fixed within the sleeve 13. Rotation of the
second filter section 14 relative the first filter section 12
therefore causes rotation of the first filter section 12 within the
sleeve 13.
[0050] By selecting a different angular position of the second
filter section 14 relative to the first filter section 12, the
registry between the first ventilation areas 15 in the sleeve 13
and the second ventilation areas 16 in the sheet material or
plugwrap around the first filter section 12 can be selectively
increased or decreased. The level of ventilation in the smoking
article 10 can therefore be increased or decreased.
[0051] The first filter section 12 comprises botanical particles
which lie upstream of the ventilation areas 15. The level of
ventilation in the smoking article 10 controls the dilution of
smoke which passes through the first part of the smoking article 10
with air which enters the smoking article 10 through the
ventilation areas 15. Therefore the level of ventilation also
controls the dilution of flavoured smoke which has passed over the
botanical particles with unflavoured air which enters the smoking
article through the ventilation areas 15. The level of flavour in
the smoking article can therefore be increased or decreased.
[0052] FIG. 3a is a plan view of a blank 30 forming a wrapper for a
smoking article according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3b is
longitudinal cross-sectional view of a smoking article 32 to which
the blank 30 of FIG. 3a has been applied. The smoking article 32
comprising the blank 30 has substantially the same functions as
described above. Features have the same arrangement and function
unless otherwise described.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 3b, the rod article 32 includes a tobacco
rod 11, similar to that previously described, and first and second
filter sections 12, 14 downstream of the tobacco rod 11. The second
filter section 14 is provided downstream of the first filter
section 12 and tobacco rod 11, at the mouth end of the smoking
article. The first filter section 12 is provided between the second
filter section 14 and the tobacco rod 11. The first filter section
12 comprises botanical particles 18, as described with respect to
the first embodiment. The first filter section 12 is divided into a
first part 12' and a second part 12'' by a cut 12''', allowing the
first part 12' of the first filter section 12 to move relative to
the second part 12''.
[0054] The blank 30 is configured to wrap twice, and in the present
example twice only, around the whole circumference of the rod
article 32. The blank 30 has a first section 30a which first wraps
around the rod article 32 forming an inner layer and a second
section 30b which then wraps around the first section 30a, forming
an outer layer. The blank 30 is therefore configured to define two
complete layers extending around the circumference of the rod
article 32, and comprises areas 30a, 30b to define an inner layer
and an outer layer.
[0055] The first section 30a of the blank 30 comprises a first end
portion 30a' connected to the second filter section 14 and to the
first part 12' of the first filter section 12, and therefore
connecting the second filter section 14 and the first part 12' of
the first filter section 12 together. The first section 30a of the
blank 30 also comprises a second end portion 30a'' connected to the
second part 12'' of the first filter section 12 and to the tobacco
rod 11. The second section 30b of the blank 30 is separated into a
first part 30b' and a second part 30b'' by a cut 31.
[0056] The blank 30 comprises, on the first section 30a, a control
element 34 movable in a circumferentially extending channel 36,
configured to control ventilation and limit movement.
[0057] The control element 34 is movable circumferentially within a
limited range. The control element 34 is movable between a first
engaging surface and a second engaging surface.
[0058] The first engaging surface and second engaging surface
define the circumferentially extending channel 36 in which the
control element 34 is movable.
[0059] The control element 34 defines first and second limiting
surfaces 34a, 34b at the edges of the control element in the
direction of movement, i.e. at the circumferential edge of the
control element 34. Contact of the first and second limiting
surfaces 34a, 34b of the control element 34 with the first engaging
surface and the second engaging surface of the circumferentially
extending channel 36 limits relative rotation between the first and
second parts of the smoking article.
[0060] The first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b extend at an
angle to a longitudinal axis of the smoking article. The first and
second engaging surfaces also extend at an angle to the
longitudinal axis of the smoking article, and/or at an angle to the
axis of movement of the control element. The first and second
engaging surfaces extend at the same angle and/or have a
complementary shape to the first and second limiting surfaces 34a,
34b.
[0061] A longitudinal movement restricting arrangement 35 comprises
a sliding element 37 which is arranged to move between first and
second restricting elements 38a and 38b. Sliding element 37 is
attached to first and second restricting elements 38a and 38b with
a frangible connection. The frangible connection is a
circumferentially extending line of perforations. The part of the
blank including the sliding element 37, control element 34, first
and second restricting elements 38a and 38b and circumferentially
extending channel 36 extends one time around the whole
circumference of the smoking article, e.g. to form a tube. The
sliding element 37 is attached to first part 30b' of the second
section 30b of the blank 30, together with the first part 30a' of
the first section 30a of the blank, and therefore moves, together
with the first part 30a' of the first section 30a, the second
filter section 14 and the first part 12' of the first filter
section 12, relative to the second part 30a'' of the first section
30a of the blank 30 and the second part 12'' of the first filter
section 12 and the tobacco rod 11.
[0062] The second section 30b of the blank 30 forming the outer
layer, comprises a ventilation area 39' at a location 39 on the
blank. In some examples, the ventilation area 39' comprises a
single aperture. Alternatively, the ventilation area 39' comprises
a plurality of discrete permeable areas or apertures. For example,
the apertures are formed by electroperforation (EP). The
ventilation area 39' is arranged to align with the channel 36 when
the blank 30 is wrapped around the rod article 32.
[0063] The control element 34 has a further function in controlling
the ventilation of the smoking article. In particular, the control
element 34 directly controls the ventilation of the smoking article
by selectively blocking one or more ventilation areas. The control
element 34 is configured to be movable relative to one or more
ventilation areas in a radially adjacent, and integrally formed,
part of the smoking article. The control element 34 is formed of a
material which is substantially impermeable to air, in particular,
paper which is not permeable to air. The control element 34 is
configured to move between the ventilation area 39' and the
underlying rod article 32 of the smoking article, such that
ventilation air cannot enter the smoking article through the
channel 36 which is blocked by the control element 34. The control
element is impermeable to air between the first and second limiting
surfaces 34a, 34b. The first and second limiting surfaces 34a, 34b
define both the limits of rotation and define the amount of
ventilation area which is covered or uncovered.
[0064] Thus, the control element 34 has the dual function of both
directly controlling a level of ventilation by covering a part of a
ventilation area and limiting relative movement of the first and
second parts of the smoking article between maximum and minimum
levels of ventilation.
[0065] In some embodiments, the first filter section 12 comprises
flavourant in the form of botanical particles. However, the first
filter section 12 can comprise other forms of flavourant, such as
one or more capsules, a thread loaded with flavourant, flavourant
dispersed in filter tow, flavour impregnated particles or a sheet
material comprising a flavourant, which lie upstream of the
ventilation area 39'. The level of ventilation in the smoking
article 10 controls the dilution of smoke which passes through the
first part of the smoking article 10 with air which enters the
smoking article 10 through the ventilation area 39'. Therefore the
level of ventilation also controls the dilution of flavoured smoke
which has passed through the flavourant with unflavoured air which
enters the smoking article through the ventilation area 39'. The
level of flavour in the smoking article can therefore be increased
or decreased.
[0066] In some aspects, the blank 30 comprises a further
ventilation area (not shown) at a location 33 on the blank
downstream of the variable ventilation arrangement 39'. The further
ventilation area comprises a plurality of discrete ventilation
areas or apertures, for example, in a circumferentially extending
line. The further ventilation area can be formed by a laser.
Generally, one or more of the ventilation areas comprise a
plurality of discrete ventilation areas or apertures. The further
ventilation area provides a constant minimum level of ventilation
which is unaffected by the variable amount of ventilation from the
ventilation area 39'. The amount of ventilation provided by the
further ventilation area can be predetermined in the manufacture of
the smoking article 10 and is, for instance, between 5% to 50% of
the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said smoking
article passing through the filter section when said variable
ventilation is at its minimum level. The variable ventilation
arrangement 39', 36 can be arranged to provide ventilation which is
user controllable within a sub-range within the range of from 0% to
90% of the volume of smoke and/or other aerosol generated by said
smoking article passing through the filter section, for instance
from 0% to 50% ventilation.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the smoking article 32
according to the second embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a smoking article 40
according to a third embodiment, which is the same as the smoking
article 32 of the second embodiment, except that in the third
embodiment, the first filter section 12 comprises a user activated
flavour release component in place of the botanical particles 18.
The flavourant release component is preferably in the form of a
capsule 41 which comprises an outer wall and an inner volume filled
with fluid flavourant. The flavourant can be selectively released
by the user of the smoking article 40 into the adjacent filtration
material by squeezing the outside of the filter to deform or
rupture the outer wall of the capsule 41. In the present example,
the capsule has a diameter of 3.5 mm, although other sizes can be
used, for instance diameters of 2.5, 3, 4 or 4.5 mm, micro capsules
or macro capsules with diameters in the range from 1 mm to 7 mm or
larger.
[0069] The capsule 41 defines a cavity having a volume which is
filled with flavourant. The outer wall or shell may be formed using
gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a polysaccharide,
polysaccharide derivative or any other suitable material, using
methods known in the art. The outer shell surrounds and
encapsulates the flavourant. The capsule 41 is configured to
release all of the flavourant contents when the outer wall is
ruptured. The outer shell is frangible on compression, and is
configured to break apart over substantially the whole surface of
the outer shell, or alternatively rupture only in a predefined area
when compressed.
[0070] Alternatively, capsule 41 is configured to release only a
part of the flavourant on inward pressure from a user, such that
the flavourant contents are released in a plurality of discrete
deliveries. The outer shell is resiliently deformable and may be
configured to rupture in a predetermined area, or over a part of
the surface area only, to form one or more slits or apertures when
compressed.
[0071] The outer shell may be formed from a single part, or a
plurality of parts sealed together. An outer shell formed from two
parts may be configured to rupture at a weakened region, for
example along a longitudinal or circumferential seam joining the
two parts, which opens under pressure to define a slit. The capsule
41 may only release a part of the contents through the slit when
the capsule 41 is compressed before returning at least partially to
its original shape, when the compression of the capsule 41
ceases.
[0072] Additionally, the capsule 41 may comprise a substrate, which
is a body of absorbent material impregnated with the flavourant.
The substrate is a porous matrix with an open structure, in
particular, an open cell structure, e.g. an open cell foam
structure. The substrate is configured to be progressively
compressible and configured to release at least a part, and
preferably only a part, of the flavourant contents when partly
compressed. The flavourant is distributed within the substrate, and
preferably, absorbed by the substrate. The substrate is preferably
formed of a filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate.
The filtration material may be in the form of a known tow of
filtration material suitable as a filter. The outer shell does not
inhibit release of the flavourant once ruptured. The substrate may
be at least partially resiliently deformable and may at least
partially return towards the original shape, when the compression
of the capsule 49 ceases. In the partial expansion of the substrate
following release of the compressive force, the substrate may
re-absorb a part of the released flavourant. References to release
of the flavourant are therefore intended to refer to the net
release of flavourant after the compressive force has ended.
[0073] The substrate may be formed by extrusion of the material
containing the flavourant, which is then cut to a suitable length.
A closed cell foam substrate may not require an outer shell to
retain the flavourant, and so may form the capsule 41 without an
outer shell. Alternatively, the capsule 41 may comprise the closed
cell foam substrate encapsulated in an outer shell.
[0074] The first filter section 12 comprises one or more capsules
41 which lie upstream of the variable ventilation area 39'. The
level of ventilation in the smoking article 40 controls the
dilution of smoke which passes through the first part of the
smoking article with air which enters the smoking article 40
through the ventilation area 39'. After the flavourant has been
released from the one or more capsules by compression of the first
filter section, the level of ventilation also controls the dilution
of flavoured smoke which has passed through the first filter
section with unflavoured air which enters the smoking article
through the ventilation area 39'. The level of flavour in the
smoking article can therefore be increased or decreased.
[0075] In the embodiments described herein, a flavour source is
provided upstream of a variable ventilation arrangement. In
addition, a further flavour source can be provided downstream of
the variable ventilation arrangement. For instance, the first
filter section 12 can comprise one or more first flavour release
components and the second filter section 14 can comprise one or
more second flavour release components. The first and second
flavour release components can each be any of the flavour sources
described herein. As described above, the amount of flavour
provided by the flavour source which lies upstream of the variable
ventilation areas 17, 39' can be increased or decreased by varying
the level of ventilation of the smoking article. The amount of
flavour provided by the second flavour release component can be
predetermined and is substantially unaffected by the level of
ventilation of the smoking article. In this way, a baseline amount
of flavour can be provided by the second flavour release component
as a minimum level. The total amount of flavour can be increased to
a maximum level by reducing the amount of ventilating air which
dilutes the flavour of the first flavour release component.
Accordingly, the amount of flavour provided by the smoking article
may be varied over a wide range to suit the taste of a user.
[0076] In some embodiments, a first flavour release component
comprises a first capsule and a second flavour release component
comprises a second capsule.
[0077] FIG. 6 illustrates schematically a method of manufacturing
smoking articles according to the invention. The method comprises
forming a filter section (step S1), in the present example from a
known filtration material, for example, cellulose acetate tow. A
variable ventilation arrangement, for instance an arrangement as
described herein, is provided (step S2) which is configured to
provide a user controllable level of ventilation into the filter
section. The variable ventilation arrangement can be provided, for
instance, by inner and outer wrappers having selectably overlapping
ventilation areas.
[0078] A flavourant source is provided (step S3) to release flavour
at a location upstream of the ventilation arrangement. In some
embodiments, the flavourant source is a plurality of botanical
particles, as described herein, and these are applied to the filter
tow of a filter section upstream of the filter section into which
the variable ventilation is applied. In alternative embodiments,
other flavour sources as described herein can be used, for instance
capsules or flavour loaded threads.
[0079] The first and second filter sections may be longitudinally
aligned with a source of smokable material.
[0080] Any other known filter components can be added to the
smoking articles described herein. Examples of further filter
components include a third filter section, for instance a filter
section with particulate material such as carbon, activated
charcoal or particulate flavourant, or an additional hollow section
having an air passage therethrough. The first and/or second filter
sections can each be considered as comprising one or more discrete
filter sections. The filter sections can be considered as generally
upstream and downstream of the variable ventilation area.
[0081] In a further embodiment, the second filter section, located
downstream of the first filter section, can be arranged such that a
resistance to gaseous flow through the length of the second filter
section is lower than a resistance to gaseous flow through the
length of the first filter section. The resistance to gaseous flow
through the length of the filter arrangement remains substantially
constant as the level of ventilation is varied. The first filter
section can for instance, differ from the second filter section by
one or more of: tow weight, number of tow filaments in unit volume,
cross-section of tow filaments and degree of crimping. The second
filter section can, for instance, be a tubular section having at
least one air passage extending longitudinally through the length
thereof. The second filter section could, for instance, comprise
fibrous filtration material formed having an annular cross section,
in particular a tube of fibrous filtration material with the air
passage extending along a central longitudinal axis through the
length of the second filter section.
[0082] Wrapping material is applied to the smoking article assembly
to attach the component parts. The paper wrapping material is
tipping paper. In addition, a sleeve is wrapped around the smoking
article. The sleeve is configured to move relative to the first
filter section and, optionally, is securely attached to the second
filter section.
[0083] The smoking article is configured to allow the ingress of a
selectively variable amount of air upstream of the second filter
section. For example, ventilation apertures are formed in the
outermost layer of paper wrap and/or the paper sleeve. The
ventilation apertures are formed by a mechanical cutting tool or a
laser. The ventilation apertures are formed in the wrapping
material prior to the assembly of the smoking article (i.e.
pre-perforated apertures) or, optionally, when the smoking article
is assembled.
[0084] The ventilation has been described by entering the smoking
article upstream of the second filter section, and in particular,
into the first filter section. Alternatively, the ventilation can
be at least partially into the second filter section, e.g. adjacent
an upstream end of the second filter section.
[0085] The smoking article can comprise one or more ventilation
areas providing a base level of ventilation. Such ventilation areas
are not variable in size.
[0086] In order to address various issues and advance the art, the
entirety of this disclosure illustrates by way of illustration
various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be
practiced and provide for a superior smoking article. The
advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative
sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or
exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and
teach the claimed features. It is to be understood that advantages,
embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or
other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered
limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or
limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other
embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without
departing from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. Various
embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist
essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements,
components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. In addition, the
disclosure includes other inventions not presently claimed, but
which may be claimed in future.
* * * * *